Five Panama City Beach Events To Join In The New Year

Panama City Beach offers real fun and beautiful beaches, and they have plenty of exciting events to add even more fun to your trip. There are over 27 miles of award-winning beaches to enjoy, along with water sports and recreation, plus there's all the delcious menu options available at local restaurants. And, to help you plan ahead, here are some upcoming events to enjoy on your trip.

Get ready to celebrate in Panama City Beach at the New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop, which features a countdown, fireworks, and 10,000 inflatable beach balls being released from nets stretched over the streets of Pier Park. The best part for families is children can join the 8 p.m. Beach Ball Drop that gives young revelers the chance to experience the fun before they head to bed and let their parents continue the celebration. More entertainment and live music will follow during the build up to midnight, when a dazzling fireworks display will accompany the lowering of a giant LED-lit beach ball to signify the beginning of the new year.

Rockin At PCB Mardi Gras and Music Festival

The excitement of the authentic Mardi Gras celebration is combined with the spectacular views of Panama City Beach’s emerald green water and sugar white sand for the destination’s Mardi Gras and Music Festival. In conjunction with the Krewe of Domonique Youx’s great Mardi Gras at the Beach Parade, the annual festival takes place the weekend before Fat Tuesday and features entertainment for the entire family.

Emerald Coast Boat and Lifestyle Show

If you love boats, then this event features is the place to find boat displays from all major manufacturers and top dealers representing the latest in boats, high tech engines, electronics and marine accessories. Showcasing more than just boats, the Emerald Coast Boat and Lifestyle Show also features everything for the kind of active, outdoor beach living that is so popular along the Emerald Coast, from stand up paddleboards and fishing kayaks to outdoor kitchens, diving, active wear and beach cruising bicycles.

Panama City Beach Scottish Festival

A favorite evvent for many is the annual Panama City Beach Scottish Festival that takes place at Frank Brown Park and will feature Scottish athletic competitions, Scottish & Irish musical performances. Included in the performances will be bagpipe bands and Irish step dancers, plus a British car club show, children’s activities and Scottish and Irish food and drink. The family-friendly event kicks off with a welcoming ceremony and parade of Tartans.

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This award-winning event takes place at Aaron Bessant Park and features craft beer, spirits and wine from around the world, culinary creations by the region’s leading chefs and a Southern garden party presented by Southern Living. Guests can raise a glass at the Friday Night Kickoff Party, a time to mix and mingle with some of the South’s most elite chefs, mixologists and tastemakers. The celebration continues on Saturday with the Grand Afternoon Tasting & Cocktail Competition followed by a live concert and picnic in the park.

While visiting Panama City Beach be sure to stop along the Coastal Design Emporium Trail. Panama City Beach's newly launched Coastal Design Emporium Trail that offers a unique selection of stores and shops that specializing in coastal-themed antiques, furniture, gifts and accessories. With an ever-growing list of locations in Panama City Beach offering one-of-a-kind coastal décor. 

Did You Know? Northwest Florida is known for its especially unique sense of style and design, home to brightly colored fixtures and quirky beach-themed art, showcasing a fun and whimsical aesthetic.

Plan Your Trip To Panama City Beach

To explore accommodations, upcoming schedules of events, activities, and plan your trip visit the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau website.

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A Festive Holiday Season At Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

The magic of the season is even brighter celebrated with family and friends at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, where they’ve sprinkled a touch of holiday cheer around the park. Enjoy a visit to Busch Gardens’ Christmas Town, which has become a family tradition for many, and offers entertainment, festive events, shows, and amazing sight of over two million twinkling lights. It’s going to be a exciting holiday season at Busch Gardens!

A special treat is the chance for kids of all ages to meet and snap photo’s with Rudolph and his friends in the Winter Wonderland located in Celestial Crossing. Join Rudolph, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and Bumble in some fun games and holiday treats, and cheer before catching one of the exciting holiday shows, which include:

• Elmo’s Christmas Wish that celebrates the meaning of Christmas with Elmo, and his friends Cookie Monster, Zoe, Rosita and Grover.
• Another holiday favorite is Christmas on Ice, in which talented performer’s unite to celebrate the season with stunning skating, breath taking moments and Yuletide memories.
• Don’t miss the larger-than-life Christmas tree show at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay – it will be a amazing show to see – especially at night when the lights are so bright!
• Also this holiday season are performances by local churches, schools and professional performance groups from around Florida, who take the stage at the Marrakesh Theater with song and Christmas cheer in the Hallelujah Showcase.  And, this is just a sampling of the fun events and shows for the holidays!

While visiting Busch Gardens Tampa Bay you must take time to ride the newest addition – Cobra’s Curse. This is unlike any other theme park ride in the Central Florida region – it actually has a crazy 70-foot vertical lift that will takes you within inches of its 3 foot-wide eyes and 4-foot-long fangs. For coaster fans, this is a must to add to your bucket list! Not only are you moving fast – you’re also going forwards, backwards, you’re also spinning freely!

Of course, our favorite part of Busch Gardens Tampa is all the animals we can observe. A visit to the Animal Care Center is great because you’re right there where they talk about treatments and animal care throughout the park. And, it’s a great way to learn more about how you can make a difference in their conservation efforts around the world.

Plan Your Visit To Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

To learn about annual events, attractions, shows, and more to experience at Busch Gardens visit their website.

Photo Credits: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

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